Balancing Weight Loss Success with Potential Side Effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro

Exploring the Possible Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists: Wegovy, Mounjaro, and More—Balancing Risks with Weight Loss Benefits

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, including popular medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Ozempic, have revolutionized the field of weight management. Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, these medications have now gained popularity for their remarkable ability to promote weight loss in individuals with obesity or weight-related conditions. Several celebrities like Oprah have come out and discussed their success with these weight loss medications making them much more socially acceptable than they used to be. While their benefits in terms of weight loss and overall health improvement are extraordinary, it’s important to understand what some of the possible side effects that could happen to some patients with their use. Importantly, the benefits of these medications—particularly in terms of reducing some of the serious health risks associated with obesity—typically will outweigh the potential risks experienced by a small percentage of the population.

How GLP-1 Agonists Like Wegovy and Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss

GLP-1 agonists are drugs/peptides that mimic the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite as well as insulin production, and blood sugar levels. These medications work by slowing down the process of gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves the stomach), by sending signals to the brain that increase satiety, and promotes insulin release in response to eating. This leads to a reduction in hunger, making it easier for individuals to consume fewer calories and lose weight.

Clinical trials have shown that people taking medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, along with lifestyle modifications, can lose up to 15-20% of their body weight, a pretty big accomplishment for those who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. This degree of weight loss is associated with substantial improvements in metabolic health, including reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. For those that criticize others for taking medications to lose weight, it should be noted that the risks of obesity related health conditions make the outcome justify any method that achieves results, and that not everyone is able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists

All medications have the possibility of side effects. Even commonly taken over the counter drugs like aspirin or cold medicines could cause side effects. Having said that it’s important for a medical practitioner to discuss all possible side effects that may occur. While these GLP-1 medications are effective, they can come with some side effects for some patients, especially when the body is first adjusting to the medicine. The most commonly reported side effects for Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 agonists include gastrointestinal issues:

Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects, particularly when starting the treatments or increasing the dose. Nausea generally subsides after the body adjusts to the medication, but it can be managed by eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty or rich foods. Also starting the medication by taking lower doses and gradually increasing the amount of medication taken can help to mitigate the feeling of nausea that some people might experience.

Vomiting: Less commonly, some patients could experience vomiting, particularly if their dose has been increased too quickly. This side effect is often temporary but can also be mitigated by slowly titrating the dosage and adjusting the diet.

Diarrhea: Changes in the body’s digestion patterns from taking GLP-1 medications could result in diarrhea for some individuals. Maintaining adequate hydration and eating fiber-rich foods can help alleviate this symptom which like the others is often temporary upon first starting treatment and not very common.

Constipation: Alternatively, constipation could also be a possibility, but again is a fairly rare side effect. Increasing your fiber intake and staying hydrated can help reduce constipation if it were to occur. There are also other OTC options which can be useful for those who may experience this side effect.

Abdominal Pain: Some patients report discomfort or pain in the abdominal area, often due to the slowing of gastric emptying. Like the other side effects, this usually diminishes over time and can be reduced by having a schedule that slowly increases the dose and strength of the medication. An experienced physician will know this and be able to help deal with these potential side effects.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

Though rare, GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic have been associated with some more serious side effects. Although these may be extremely rare, it’s important to discuss ALL possible side effects that can occur.

Pancreatitis: There have been reports of GLP-1 agonists being linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Pancreatitis has been reported in a small percentage of patients. In clinical trials, the incidence has generally been around 0.1% to 0.2%, which means it affects about 1-2 out of every 1,000 people on these medications.

Gallbladder Issues: Rapid weight loss, which can occur with these medications, may lead to gallbladder problems like gallstones. Although these complications are more often linked to the weight loss process itself rather than the medication, it’s still an important factor to consider. The incidence of gallbladder-related problems varies across studies but has been reported to be around 1-2% in clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide. In particular, gallbladder-related side effects are more commonly seen in patients using these medications for weight loss. Although the overall risk of gallbladder issues on GLP-1 receptor agonists is low, it can become more of a concern in patients experiencing significant weight loss. Doctors may monitor patients, especially those with a history of gallbladder disease or those who are losing weight rapidly, for symptoms of gallbladder issues during treatment.

Kidney Problems: In some cases, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney issues, GLP-1 agonists have been associated with worsening kidney function. Reduced urine output or swelling are symptoms that should be reported to a healthcare provider. Overall, while kidney issues are not very common, they can occur, particularly in vulnerable patients or those with pre-existing kidney conditions. Regular monitoring and management of side effects like dehydration can help mitigate these risks.

Thyroid Tumors: Animal studies have suggested that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer. Although this has not been definitively shown in humans, individuals with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid these medications as they are contraindicated for patients wishing to start GLP-1 treatment.

Allergic Reactions: Like any medication, GLP-1 agonists can cause allergic reactions to occur in some people, including rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. If any of these occur, stop taking the medication and call your physician immediately. If they are not available, seek medical help immediately.

Weight Loss Benefits Outweigh the Risks

Despite these potential side effects, which are rare, the benefits of significant weight loss far outweigh the risks for most individuals. Obesity has been positively linked with numerous life-threatening  medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. For those struggling with obesity, losing even a small amount of weight can dramatically improve one’s overall health and significantly reduce the risk of these conditions.

1. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Weight loss achieved through GLP-1 agonists has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for those individuals who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For those already managing diabetes, these medications can offer improved glycemic control and improve overall health.

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease which is one of the number one killers in America. Weight loss can improve cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By helping people lose a significant amount of weight, GLP-1 agonists contribute to better cardiovascular health and improve quality of life.

3. Enhanced Mobility and Joint Health

Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis. Losing weight helps alleviate this strain, improving mobility and reducing the need for joint surgeries. We have seen many patients with knee injuries and inflammation due to their being obese. When this happens, the reduction in mobility will cause an increase in weight gain leading to a cycle of weight gain and furthers health complications. Losing weight will help reverse and improve these conditions.

4. Mental Health Improvements

Obesity is often linked to mental health conditions for many people. Things like depression and anxiety, due to both physical and societal factors can be crippling to some individuals. The weight loss facilitated by GLP-1 agonists can improve self-esteem, enhance body image, and lead to an overall better quality of life. People who are more comfortable with their body are able to go out and enjoy life as compared to those who are limited by their low self-esteem.

5. Lower Cancer Risk

Obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. These are all life threatening and weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of developing these cancers, making it a crucial preventive measure for long-term health and wellness.

Mitigating the Side Effects of Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Other GLP-1 Agonists

While the side effects of GLP-1 agonists can be concerning, most can be managed or mitigated through careful dosing and lifestyle changes. Fortunately, these risks are relatively rare but either way, here are some strategies to minimize risks to even further the likelihood of them occurring:

Slow Dose Titration: Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it allows the body to adjust, reducing the risk of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. Patients who start on a full dose are more likely to experience some form of a side effect, whereas the patients that slowly increase their dose are more likely to avoid them.

Diet Adjustments: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty or rich foods can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Plus, there is an additional weight loss benefit of eating healthier low-calorie meals which will only increase the weight loss and improve overall health.

Hydration and Fiber: Drinking plenty of water and incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet can help alleviate constipation and diarrhea and has been shown to also help improve cholesterol levels.

Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can ensure that any serious side effects, like pancreatitis or kidney problems, are caught early and can be mitigated.

Lifelong Use of GLP-1 Agonists: Is It Necessary?

One of the most common concerns patients ask us about medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro is whether they will need to take them for life. The answer to that depends on individual circumstances. While some patients may be able to achieve their weight loss goals and maintain them through lifestyle changes like improved diet and regular exercise after discontinuing the medication, others may require long-term treatment to keep the weight off. Also, genetic factors and other underlying health conditions can play a major role in how well a patient can maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a chronic condition, and for many individuals, maintaining weight loss requires ongoing medical intervention.

Much like medications for diabetes or hypertension, GLP-1 agonists may be necessary for long-term management of obesity in some patients. The underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, including genetics, hormones, and environmental influences, do not disappear after weight loss and need to be considered. As a result, some people may need to continue taking these medications, even at a lower maintenance dose to prevent weight regain and sustain their health improvements.

The Balance Between Benefits and Risks

In the end, GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic offer a powerful tool for weight management, especially for individuals who have struggled with obesity and have difficulty in losing weight. While these medications can come with potential side effects, most are both rare and manageable and tend to subside as the body adjusts. More importantly, the health risks associated with obesity—such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers—are far more severe than the possible side effects of the medications.

For many people, the benefits of significant weight loss, improved mobility, reduced cardiovascular risk, and better mental health far outweigh the potential risks associated with GLP-1 agonists which is why so many people are turning to them as a solution to what has been a lifelong problem. Working closely with an experienced healthcare provider to monitor the possibility of side effects and adjust dosages when needed can help ensure a safe and effective weight loss journey.

Ultimately, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment, and GLP-1 agonists offer an invaluable tool in the fight against obesity. With careful management, the risks are minimal, and the rewards—better health, enhanced quality of life, and longevity—are well worth it. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation to discuss whether any of these medications are right for you and the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications, feel free to visit our website or call to learn more.